OBLIVION GATE is a Finnish Doom Metal band.  In 2019, the band, a project of MATRON THORN, digitally released two EP's, one of which was "Wisdom of the Grave." After signing with ATMF, the EP has been released into a full length with two songs added to it. Hands this is the most "doom" I've heard in a Doom Metal release so far this year.  What I mean by that is, this is a release that only a Doom fan will enjoy.  Playing this to someone new to the genre isn't going to reel them in further.  Nor are you going to change the mind of someone who doesn't care for Doom.

However, if you are a staunch fan of genre (such as myself), "Wisdom Of The Grave," you'll love what these four tracks have to offer. Riffs as heavy as lead, deep but a little creepy clean vocals, and an overall dismal atmosphere are the elements the band display here and put them together for a straight up well defined definition of what Doom really means.   I will say the album's production isn't all that great. Personally, I think the production works perfect for this band's demonic Doom sound but others might disagree as it definitely isn't for everyone.  However, stick with it and dig through the muck and you'll find treasure indeed.

The opening track, "Morphine," is framed by a hellish guitar tone and song structure that seems to do what it wants-and pulls it off. MATRON's vocals are clean but make no mistake-they are as cold as a grave.  His chilling approach only serves to heighten the song's already disturbing atmosphere.  The title track seems to be built off "Morphine,"-they don't sound just alike but it definitely has a similar vibe and carries on that sickening feeling.  However, the approach is different-the riffs here are more sludgy and consist of a slow groove.

Things speed up a bit for one of the newly added songs, "Lesser Key of Solomon."  The drums provide a strong backbone for the tempo to ride upon but the song takes the foot off the gas to let the mood settle.  The riffs pick up their speed again and even get choppy for some quick, deadly riffage that slides in and out of the slower moments with ease. The last track, "In The Fields Where I Lay," is probably the best on the album.  The pacing is on point, like the endless stalking of death itself, and the quick bursts of double bass keeps the intensity ramped up.  The vocals hang like ghosts in the wind as the song continues its down trodden path towards its dismal end.

OBLIVION GATES' "Wisdom Of The Grave," is indeed a smart choice for any Doom fan, as long as they like it filled with impenetrable darkness.  The knowledge of the grave is one that you can't find until your body stops learning but this album should tied you over until your own time comes.  This is Doom for the sake of it and I wouldn't have it any other way.